Mr. Laz
06-22-2005, 11:00 AM
Bears agree to 5-year deal with Bradley
June 22, 2005
BY BRAD BIGGS Staff Reporter Advertisement
The Bears became the first team to sign a player selected on the first day of the draft when they agreed to terms Tuesday with wide receiver Mark Bradley.
Bradley, a second-round pick from Oklahoma, agreed to a five-year deal with total bonus money thought to be a little more than $2 million. The 39th pick in the draft needs some polish, but the Bears expect him to contribute as a rookie because of his speed. He will play on special teams and figures to find a role in the offense, too, but his hands have been average at best during the offseason program.
Because the Sooners' offense was so diversified, Bradley had only 34 catches for 685 yards and nine touchdowns in 25 games. Despite his relative lack of experience, he received a first-round grade from some teams after he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.47 seconds at the combine.
The player selected in Bradley's spot last year was Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Daryl Smith. He received a $1.872 million signing bonus, but it was for a six-year deal that voided to four. Bradley's contract is a straight five years, so the bonus is certainly higher.
The Bears have four unsigned draft picks, including first-rounder Cedric Benson. The fourth overall selection is represented by Eugene Parker, who has negotiated a first-round deal with the Bears in three of the previous four summers.
While the Bears have had success getting their picks in camp on time, Parker's clients often hold out, and no one will be surprised if Benson is not in training camp on time -- especially considering the Bears begin a week earlier than most teams. Camp opens July 23 at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Ill.
June 22, 2005
BY BRAD BIGGS Staff Reporter Advertisement
The Bears became the first team to sign a player selected on the first day of the draft when they agreed to terms Tuesday with wide receiver Mark Bradley.
Bradley, a second-round pick from Oklahoma, agreed to a five-year deal with total bonus money thought to be a little more than $2 million. The 39th pick in the draft needs some polish, but the Bears expect him to contribute as a rookie because of his speed. He will play on special teams and figures to find a role in the offense, too, but his hands have been average at best during the offseason program.
Because the Sooners' offense was so diversified, Bradley had only 34 catches for 685 yards and nine touchdowns in 25 games. Despite his relative lack of experience, he received a first-round grade from some teams after he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.47 seconds at the combine.
The player selected in Bradley's spot last year was Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Daryl Smith. He received a $1.872 million signing bonus, but it was for a six-year deal that voided to four. Bradley's contract is a straight five years, so the bonus is certainly higher.
The Bears have four unsigned draft picks, including first-rounder Cedric Benson. The fourth overall selection is represented by Eugene Parker, who has negotiated a first-round deal with the Bears in three of the previous four summers.
While the Bears have had success getting their picks in camp on time, Parker's clients often hold out, and no one will be surprised if Benson is not in training camp on time -- especially considering the Bears begin a week earlier than most teams. Camp opens July 23 at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Ill.